"Malicious"

FIA boss defends himself against serious accusations

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem in conversation with world champion Max Verstappen(Bild: APA/AFP/Giuseppe CACACE)

Following accusations of undue interference in Formula 1 decisions, the controversial world federation president Mohammed Ben Sulayem sees himself as the victim of a campaign. In a letter to FIA members, the former rally driver expressed his anger that the association had "become the victim of malicious indiscretions of confidential and sensitive information" that are damaging its reputation and worrying its members.

"We know that the ultimate aim of these reprehensible actions was to target me and weaken the FIA at its core," Ben Sulayem wrote. The FIA Ethics Commission cleared him of the allegations just a few days ago. An investigation was triggered by information from whistleblowers who accused the Dubai-based official of several violations in office.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem(Bild: APA/AFP/ANDREJ ISAKOVIC)

According to the report, the FIA boss had arranged for a time penalty against Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso to be revoked at last year's Grand Prix in Saudi Arabia. As a result, the Spaniard was able to keep his third place after all, contrary to the race stewards' original decision.

Elections next year
In addition, Ben Sulayem allegedly demanded in the pre-season that the new race track in Las Vegas be refused approval by the world governing body. According to media reports, this was not due to genuine safety concerns. However, the FIA inspectors were unable to provide any plausible reasons and therefore certified the track. Ben Sulayem wrote that the accusations were aimed at "destabilizing him as FIA boss, but also questioning the integrity of our respected organization". Ben Sulayem succeeded Frenchman Jean Todt in 2021. Elections will be held in the world governing body next year.